Chapter 62: Of wants and needs.

Akko dismounted her broom and went towards her girlfriend with a radiant smile plastered all over her face. Today they'd been practicing flying magic, as they normally did on Fridays, and she felt this time she'd done quite a lot better than the last few times. She was confident she'd get some praise.

"So? How did I do?" She asked.

"You have certainly improved." Diana answered with a proud smile. "But you still need to keep working on your speed and stability, especially when taking a curve; your control on the broom is still lacking."

Upon hearing her words, Akko pouted.

"I'm doing my best!"

"And it shows, believe me." Her girlfriend answered a little more gently, trying to calm her down. "But considering your… condition, it's not surprising you're still struggling with this kind of magic. It's only been less than a year since you first managed to fly."

"Hmf." Akko huffed and pretty much dropped her broom on the ground, before following suit and laying on the grass next to it. "How long did it take you?"

"That's different…"

"Answer me."

Diana sighed and went to sit next to Akko, watching her for a few seconds, contemplating the best way to answer.

"I already knew how to fly a broom before I lost my magic, you know?"

"Yeah, but-"

"No." She cut her off. "There's no buts. Our situations aren't really comparable." When Akko's pout simply accentuated, Diana decided to word it a little differently. "Finding something you didn't even know you had is a lot more difficult than finding something you were already familiar with, don't you think?"

"But Diana…"

"Don't compare yourself to others. That's the third word, right?" She gently reminded her.

"Yeah…" Sometimes Akko hated how reasonable Diana could be. She easily won any argument! But then again… that was also part of why she loved her so much. They complimented each other so perfectly.

She was then reminded of that night at Blytonbury. The snow was falling down like powdered sugar, painting everything of white, and the winter air was blowing insistently and making the naked branches of the trees rattle against each other. It was a cold night. Colder still because of the weight that had settled into her heart. But then… Diana had come and warmed her up, in more senses than one. If it hadn't been for her reasonable approach to everything, Akko wasn't sure if she could have managed to lift up her spirits that day.

"Akko?" Diana's voice startled her out of her contemplations, just as a soft hand came to caress gently her hair. "Are you thinking about…?"

"Yeah. That day." It was a common enough occurrence that Akko didn't feel the need to specify. Diana just hummed in response.

"Professor Ursula has been telling you a lot about her past, hasn't she?" She commented.

"Huh?" Akko tilted her head like a confused puppy. What did that have to do with anything?

"Has she told you about… how it happened?"

Oh. So that's what it was about. Truth be told, Akko hadn't really asked her sensei for stories these past few weeks. She was afraid, really, for what she knew was coming.

"Not really…" She settled for. A part of her didn't want to know to be honest.

"You should ask her." Diana's words made her stomach turn in anxiety. "Maybe it'll help you deal with it better."

"Nah, I'm good." She answered a little too quickly.

"Listen." Akko hated when Diana started a phrase like that; it meant she was about to say something she couldn't really argue with. "Professor Ursula really does care about you a lot, and she wishes for nothing but the best for you."

"I know that." She rolled her eyes; her tone slightly defensive.

"Well, Chariot is Ursula." She emphasized. "Do you really think she'd do something like stealing the magic of thousands of children just because? I think you should hear her explanation, even if you've already forgiven her. It's obvious the emotional implications of what happened still take a toll on you sometimes."

Akko closed her eyes and sighed. Yeah… Diana was often too reasonable, wasn't she? But that's what made her Diana. And now… now she had something to think about for when she saw her sensei again. For now, however…

"Diana." She opened her eyes, and shot Diana her best charming smile. "Can you please forget about this for now? I just want to have a good time with my girlfriend."

"Akko." She gave her a deadpan expression. "It's almost curfew. We need to head back inside and-"

Whatever she was going to say got cut off when Akko's strong arms surrounded her neck and pulled her down into a playful kiss.


Akko was in Ursula's room, studying something or other about magical languages. Not that she wasn't paying attention… well, she wasn't exactly the most attentive either, but she was trying! Really, she was, it's just… Diana's words kept popping up inside her head like annoying internet ads.

No, she didn't think her beloved professor and childhood idol, who had helped her so much up until now, would purposefully steal the magic of thousands of children just like her, but… that's what had been implied that fateful night, right? That's what Croix had suggested, and Ursula hadn't made any attempt to deny those awful claims.

But then again, why would Diana tell her to ask her sensei about it, if that was the case? Diana already knew the truth about what happened; she'd heard it from Chariot herself, so… there must be a reason why she had suggested Akko should ask.

"Sensei?" Akko interrupted whatever her professor was saying, deciding it was best to stop torturing herself and just ask instead.

"Yes?" Ursula paused her explanation to look at her student. "Do you have a question?"

"Yeah…" She deviated her gaze sheepishly. "But it's not exactly about this subject."

"Akko." The professor used a slightly chastising tone.

"I'm sorry! I just keep getting distracted by it and… you know how it is!" She used her best puppy dog eyes.

"Fine." Ursula had no other choice but to comply, knowing full well how it usually was with Akko and her impromptu distractions. "What is your question?"

"Well… I was talking to Diana earlier and… I just… uhm…" She was getting nervous, and her stomach was twisting painfully. She just needed to blurt it out. "Whatactuallyhappenedwiththedreamfuelspirit?"

"Uh… what?"

"I… uhm." Akko took a moment to breath and slow down her racing heart before actually asking her question in an understandable manner. "I just want to know… what actually happened with the dream fuel spirit?"

"Oh." There was a long pause and Ursula looked away, a sad shadow painting her eyes as she tried to put on a neutral mask. But it was obvious she was struggling to maintain it.

"You don't have to tell me. If you don't want to." Akko quickly rushed to say. "I just… I kinda… need to know…" She trailed off.

"I… suppose I do owe you an explanation." The professor admitted with a heavy tone of voice. "But I must warn you: this is not a happy story."

"I'm aware." Akko tried to laugh, but ended up just grimacing.

"Alright then." She sighed. "Make yourself comfortable. This is gonna be a long one."


Life hasn't been the same since Croix broke up with me. She left shortly after that, and I haven't seen her ever since. I tried calling her, however, but… she never picked up.

Perhaps it was for the best.

I know I shouldn't feel like this, but every time I think about Croix I'm filled with pain and anger. The fondness I once felt for her has now taken a backseat to these emotions, and I hate it. But I also can't help it, so… I've been distancing myself from Croix as well.

I probably shouldn't let this affect me, however. And it hasn't, really! At least I don't think it has, but… I did notice, during the last couple of shows of the European tour, that less people started showing up. Earlier today we actually held the last show in London, and I was hoping to see the usual crowd, but… for some reason it seems like my popularity is starting to diminish.

I have tried appearing as happy and enthusiastic as always, but I'm not even sure if that's the problem. Could be something else for all I know. Maybe people are simply starting to get tired of me.

"Chariot. We need to talk." The stern voice of my manager makes me open my eyes and snap out of my depressing thoughts.

I was supposed to be getting changed after the show, but I'm too drained, physically and otherwise, to really do anything. I'd like to use magic to get it done, but it truly has run out completely by now.

"Can't it wait?" I whine, already knowing the answer. He never gives me a break.

"It can't. Have you seen what people are saying online about you lately?" He answers sternly.

"No." I say. I honestly avoid my internet page like the plague.

"Well, do it now." He orders. "I need you to see something."

I groan, but comply anyways. No need to make this unnecessarily longer, even if I do dread what I'll see.

I take my laptop and open it, and enter the Shiny Chariot official site to read the recent comments… and all the mean things they say.

"Her shows are getting repetitive. There's nothing new anymore."

"Why are her shows so short? I'm not going to pay for half an hour of light spectacles."

"I went to one of her shows two months ago, and then again today. I'm so disappointed to see nothing has changed."

"The only good thing about her is her looks. Her shows are garbage."

I feel a dagger piercing my heart and twisting every time I read one of those comments. This is exactly why I avoid going to this site! And they call themselves my fans? How can they be so mean?!

"You see it now?" My manager says, and I can only nod in response. "They're getting tired of you, and with good reason. Increasing the amount of publicity won't fix that."

"I… understand." I push the words through the knot on my throat. Oh gosh, I don't want to cry! But… staying composed is difficult in this situation.

"Do you?" He spats out. "When I found you performing on the streets all those months ago, I saw potential in you. Your magic was able to inspire and charm everyone who watched it, but now… Now it's become repetitive."

"There's a reason for that." I argue. "If I did flashier, more complicated spells, my magic would run out in an instant." Which is why we have a routine I have to adhere to. But I leave that unsaid; he knows.

"Aren't you a witch? Find a way to make your magic last longer!"

"That's… not how it works." I sigh, my eyes focusing briefly on the comments once again. Ugh. I really wished I could have unlimited magic. I really, really, do. But… I'm letting everyone down because of something that's way beyond me.

"Then make it better." He says, unhelpfully. "You have to show them something much more thrilling!"

Finally, I turn around in my chair and face him. Looking directly in his eyes, I speak again.

"I can't." I say. "I'd need more magic."

My manager then takes a few steps forward and comes to a stop in front of me, forcing me to tilt my head upwards in order to see his face… a move that leaves me feeling intimidated and anxious.

"And there's no way you can get more magic?" He frowns, watching me intently. I just shake my head no. "Are you completely certain?"

I'm about to give a negative answer when my eyes flicker unconsciously to the shiny rod, resting on the dresser next to me. If I could unlock the seventh word and revive magic, then… I would have unlimited magic everywhere, right?

"You have two weeks." My manager says, and my eyes return to him once more. "Go back to school, study, practice, or do whatever you need. But when you come back, I want you to show me something truly out of this world, understood?"

"B-but-"

"Until then." And he walks out.


I've been just a day in Luna Nova, and everything already feels… off. Classes are more boring than ever, I'm barely able to concentrate, and I don't understand whatever the teachers are trying to explain. For the first time since becoming Shiny Chariot, I realize just how behind my other classmates I've fallen, but I also realize that… I don't really care.

All this information… it's pointless. It holds no meaning for me; it won't help me at all moving forward! I'll forget about it after the exams, if not before them, even. I just… what am I doing here?

I also realize my teammates mostly act like I wasn't there. Not like they're actively ignoring me, but… they've probably gotten used to working without me, and it shows. Not that I blame them, of course.

And the twins… they are happy to see me, yes, but… they've already made plans without me, so our interactions don't really go beyond saying hi.

It was to be expected, of course; all of this, but… I can't help feeling like I don't belong here anymore. Even my other classmates and the teachers stare down at me with barely restrained contempt. And I hear the hushed gossip in the hallways about Shiny Chariot… public enemy number one in the witching community.

It's all just so… wrong. But what feels even worse is my inability to even care. It's not like I'll be here for more than two weeks before going back to my life as an entertainer, and hopefully to do an international tour this time. I… I honestly don't know if I'll return to Luna Nova after that, even to graduate. It just feels so… pointless.

I sigh as I step outside the school, towards the sports field. I really shouldn't be thinking about any of this! My priority now is to find a way to use magic without a sorcerer's stone, or to unlock the seventh word, really; any of the two. But… how? It feels like something way beyond me, and also something only I can do… all at the same time. It's a little overwhelming, to be honest.

I'm so absorbed in my thoughts that I don't register me walking right into someone. I quickly apologize and look down to see who I collided with, only to see none other than the headmistress herself.

"S-sorry!" I squeak out in embarrassment.

"Ah, Chariot." She simply smiles kindly at me. "What a surprise to see you here."

"I've been… busy." Really, what else can I say to the headmistress, knowing I've barely attended any classes this school year?

"Busy? Being everyone's idol?" She chuckles, but… surprisingly it doesn't seem like she looks down on me for it, unlike the other teachers. "Come with me, Chariot. I want to take a walk and I would really appreciate some company."

"Yes. Of course." I quickly say. It's not like I have anything better to do anyways… And I can't really say no to the headmistress herself, can I?

We both then start walking towards the empty sports field, across the bridge that connects it with the main school building. The glow of the afternoon soon paints everything in yellows and soft oranges, and the cold air of winter makes goosebumps appear on my skin. It's… kind of relaxing, actually.

"Chariot." The headmistress breaks the silence and I turn to look at her. "Tell me about your shows. I understand that's what's been keeping you away from school for so long."

"A-ah… yes." I smile awkwardly and turn my gaze to the ground. "It just… happened." I chuckle. "One day I was performing at Blytonbury and the next I was a celebrity!" At least it felt like it.

"I see." She smiles at me. "Shiny Chariot, right? I've seen some publicity online."

"Yeah… it's been pretty great." I repress expressing surprise at Holbrooke going online at all.

The headmistress simply hums in acknowledgement and then we keep walking for a few seconds in silence, just listening to the sound of the wind rustling the leaves.

"Why are you here, Chariot?" She asks.

"Huh?" Does she mean… in the fields? "Well, I just need to clear my head, I guess."

"No, why are you in the school?" She stops, and I do so too, meeting her inquiring gaze.

"W-what?" Her question startles me a little. After all, I'm still a student. Technically.

"Your academic performance hasn't been the best this year, and I understand that's because you barely attend any classes since you became Shiny Chariot." She looks intently at me, but… her gaze isn't exactly angry. More… inquiring. "It seems like you have other priorities and responsibilities now, so why do you keep coming here?"

"Uhm." I gulp. It's true that I don't feel like I belong in Luna Nova anymore, but I can't just say that. "I still want to graduate…"

"Do you?" She raises an eyebrow. "You haven't started your thesis yet, have you? And you're failing quite a few classes too."

"Uhhh…" I trail off, blushing. What do I even say to that?

"Why are you really here, Chariot?" She asks before she continues walking. I quickly follow her as I mull over my answer.

"I need some information. To make my shows better." I confess.

"You do know all of our former students have access to the library, right?" She says amusingly. "You don't need to go to classes."

"Ah… yeah, but…" I trail off, unsure of my own reasoning. "Well, I mean… I already spent two years here, right? I might as well try and graduate."

"Is that it?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Well… what else am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go?"

"You are supposed to do what's best for you." She touches my arm with her staff for emphasis. "But do you know what that is?"

"Uhm…" What does she mean? What does she want me to answer? I don't understand. "To be Shiny Chariot?" I say the first thing that comes to mind.

"Are you asking me?" She chuckles, and I blush.

"I mean… I just want to make everyone happy! That's what I've always wanted."

"Why?" She inquires further. "Who isn't happy?"

Me.

Where did that thought come from? Of course I'm happy! … Right? Sure, my "fans" have been mean to me lately, and I lost Croix, but… I'm happy when I'm on the stage. Most of the time at least.

Anyways, it doesn't matter! My shows aren't meant to make me happy. Not primarily. So, I don't get her question.

"I… I don't know! I just want to bring happiness to everyone." I reiterate. It doesn't seem like she's satisfied with my answer, however, but she lets it slide for now.

"It seems you have very clear idea of what you want. But… do you know what you need now?" Her words throw me back to another conversation we had, similar to this one, just after I was given the Shiny Rod. The circumstances were very different back then, and I don't exactly remember what was my answer, if I even gave one, but…

"I need to make my magic last longer. Or to be able to use better spells with the same amount of magic."

"That's what you need?" She smiles, amused by my answer.

"W-well…" What else did she want me to say?

"Chariot… when you have lived as long as I have, you'll realize that what you need usually isn't something so simple."

I frown at her answer. I don't understand! Reviving magic isn't simple!

"But then… what do I need?"

"That is for you, and you alone, to discover. In due time." She has a mysterious expression on her face that makes me even more confused. "I just hope the journey won't be too harsh for you."

"…what?" I feel dumb right now. It's like she's talking in riddles!

"Well Chariot, I believe it's time for me to go." She says, coming to a stop and looking back at the main building. "I have some papers to grade, and you have some thinking to do. See you around!" And with that, she heads back towards the Academy, leaving me standing in the middle of the sports field.


I don't know what to do with the words of the headmistress still stuck in my head. I try to distract myself with some broom practice, but there's only so much I can do before curfew. After dinner I then go to my room and try to sleep, but I'm feeling restless as I replay my earlier conversation with Holbrooke.

She said I don't know what I need yet. But… to achieve my dreams, to get what I want, I do need more magic, right? I need to unlock the seventh word! Either that or find an alternative… which seems unlikely.

If only I had someone to guide me. I can't ask Croix for help, obviously, but I wished I had a mentor; someone older and wiser that could just tell me what to do.

Wait!

I grab the shiny rod, put on my uniform and wake up Alcor.

"Take me to Woodward." I say.

He's a little annoyed, but he agrees after I offer him a double ration of seeds the next day. And so, after using the protection spell on my clothes, we're off to the dense forest surrounding the school.

The walk there is a little boring, and quite unnerving, being alone at night, but at least I have Alcor to light up my way, and I suspect it's precisely because of his light that no monsters dare to approach me. And so, I'm soon standing in front of Woodward's tree for the second time.

"Ancient spirit of the Great Witch Woodward, please speak to me." I say, hoping she'll answer.

For a few restless moments nothing happens and I fear she might not appear again just because I came here, but then… a swirling swarm of leaves appears at the base of the tree, and they all combine to form the unmistakable, and rather imposing, figure of Woodward, staring down at me with those wise eyes of her.

I can only gulp. I feel rather small, in more senses than one.

"Chariot." She says as greeting. "I see six of the seven gems now have light in them."

"Uhm… yeah." I smile awkwardly.

"Well done." She smiles gently. "But I sense you have a question to ask me."

"Well…" I sigh. "I… unlocking the Grand Triskelion will revive magic, right?"

"That's one of the consequences for unlocking it, yes." She nods.

"And will that mean I'll be able to use magic wherever I want? With no restrictions?" I clarify.

"Why are you asking me this, Chariot?" She counters.

"I just… I really want to revive magic." I say, but I omit exactly why I need magic so desperately; I don't think she'd take it kindly. "But… I still can't find the seventh word, and… I was kinda hoping you could give me a clue." I settle for saying a half-truth and hoping she doesn't see right through it.

"Hm." She hums, pursing her lips. "I can't tell you what you have to do to revive the seventh word, but I will say this: the meaning of the seventh word is something you will find within your heart."

"Within… my heart?" I touch my chest subconsciously, frowning, thinking. The first thing that comes to mind after hearing her words is… Croix. But… we broke up! I doubt she'd help me find the seventh word even if she could, so…

"You must not forget your path, Chariot." She speaks once more, startling me out of my thoughts. "Remember that the Claiomh Solais is only tied to your heart as long as their objectives align."

I… does she know? That felt like a warning. But… surely making people happy still aligns with the teachings of the words… right? Yeah. She would have said something more direct otherwise.

"I'll remember that." I settle on saying.

"Farewell." And with that final word spoken, she disappears in a swirl of leaves, leaving me alone in that cave once more.


A/N: Hello, everyone! Thanks for reading, and sorry about the delay. I fell sick with covid, and couldn't write for a while, so I had to postpone this chapter for a bit, but it's here now, so I hope you liked it! And let me know what you think in the comments, that'd really help.

Thanks to my beta reader moonwatcher13.